Winemaker David Rossi co-founded Fulcrum Wines with Christine Rossi. With a sharp focus on balance, David seeks to create wines that maintain a harmony among acidity, tannin and alcohol levels, use of oak and the expression of the fruit. Working out of a facility in Napa, CA, Pinot Noir grapes are sourced from the cooler climate AVAs of the state. Accordingly, the winery produces a range of Pinots, including several single vineyard wines.

The 2008 vintage offered a diversity of four wines, which were tasted in pairs, providing an opportunity to compare and contrast the different origins.

Fulcrum On Point Pinot Noir 2008, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA
Aromas: Blackcherry, cedar, earth/soil and cherry pie
Flavors: Deep blackcherry, earth and cloves
Structure: Medium+ acidity, medium+ body, very long length
An excellent wine, with aging potential.

Fulcrum Pinot Noir 2008, Anderson Valley, CA
Aromas: Plum, cherry, cinnamon, vanilla
Flavors: Cherry, cinnamon
Structure: Medium+ acidity, medium-bodied, long length.

The wines from Santa Lucia Highlands and Anderson Valley were tasted together. While both were very good wines, our preference was for the Santa Lucia Highlands wine (On Point Pinot Noir).

Fulcrum Caps Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Sonoma Coast, CA
Aromas: Plum, earthy
Flavors: Raspberry and earth, the latter of which persists throughout the finish
Structure: Medium+ acidity, medium body, long length

Fulcrum Tina Marie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Russian River Valley, CA
Aromas: Floral, berry
Flavors: Raspberry and herbal
Structure: Medium acidity, medium+ body, medium+ alcohol, long length

The Caps Crown and Tina Marie single vineyard wines were tasted together. The Caps Crown was more earthy and masculine while the Tina Marie was more floral and herbal and a bit more elegant despite its fuller body. However, both were wonderful wines.